This is the operational reference for directors who are already using DockScore. It covers what to do during configuration, in the days before the event, on the dock, at the ceremony, and the Monday after. Read once before your first tournament, then keep it bookmarked.
Configuration usually takes about an afternoon. The DockScore setup team walks through it with you the first time. After that, your tournament is a template you can clone and adjust each year.
Each category has its own scoring rules. The most common patterns: points per species, points per pound (weigh-in), bonus multipliers for size, and slam categories.
Lock the scoring before publishing the rules document. Changing scoring after captains have read the rules is the fastest way to lose trust.
Open registration as soon as the configuration is locked. Directors typically open 90 days out and close 7 days before the event.
Your day-of role is to monitor the jury queue, handle exceptions, and walk the dock. The system handles the routine.
The jury queue is your work surface during the event. Catches arrive timestamped and attributed. Your job is to accept or disqualify each one.
One tap. The catch becomes part of the official record. The leaderboard updates. The angler and the audience see the change.
You're required to enter a written reason. This is part of the audit trail. Be specific: "Caught outside the tournament boundary" beats "Invalid." If the captain challenges later, the specificity is what holds up.
Challenges show up as a separate queue. Review the audit log, the video if uploaded, and the original judge's notes. Make a final ruling. The decision is recorded permanently.
Switch the public leaderboard into ceremony mode for the awards. Categories reveal in sequence. The screen is projector-ready.
If you're running a Calcutta (Pro), the reveal mode handles the math, displays the winning boats one position at a time, and shows the sponsor recognition reel between announcements.
Configure each tier's placements before the event. Upload sponsor logos in advance. Use the sponsor delivery report to renew.
Configure buy-in amount and split percentages. Track entries through registration or separate purchase. Reveal mode at the ceremony does the math live.
Schedule the day-of cadence — countdown, lines-in, mid-day update, lines-out, end-of-day recap. The Auto Story Publisher (when enabled) generates the leaderboard story image automatically and queues it.
If you're getting set up, the live showcase walks through the same product you'll be configuring. If you're prepping a specific event, the 90-day checklist is the timeline.